Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has reinforced his unwavering belief that picketing and demonstrations remain essential tools for driving change in Kenya, speaking during the launch of the Linda Mwananchi Tour in Busia on Sunday, February 8.
The vocal legislator, addressing a charged crowd alongside ODM leaders including Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, criticized party colleagues who have shifted focus from grassroots activism to what he termed corporate interests.
“The party we have now is ODM Limited. It is a company that now focuses on making money,”Babu declared, drawing attention to how the party has drifted from its activist roots.
The MP pointed to the success of past protests, noting how the demonstrations have influenced political appointments and government policy.
“We are now being told that the party cannot produce a presidential candidate, nor does it want a deputy presidential position,” he stated, highlighting what he sees as a retreat from the party’s original mission.
Babu’s stance comes from his consistent record of joining protesters on the streets, actions that have previously cost him his security detail and brought him into confrontation with government authorities.
He also issued a stern warning to sections of the ODM senior leadership, telling supporters that the party’s grassroots would “deal with” leaders he accused of betraying its core ideals.
The Embakasi East MP said the movement belongs to ordinary members and vowed that any internal attempts to “sell out” the party would be fiercely resisted.
“I want to warn the ODM senior leadership, if you betray the party and its supporters, we will deal with you. ODM belongs to the people, not a few individuals,” the MP stated
The Linda Mwananchi Tour represents a new chapter in ODM’s internal struggle, with dissidents using the platform to challenge current party direction and reaffirm their commitment to street activism as a catalyst for political transformation.
The tour is expected to continue across various counties as the faction seeks to mobilize grassroots support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
